Here in the Pacific Northwest, especially in wooded areas, it is common to find that the perimeter soil -- call it a hillside -- is sloped toward the home.

When that is the case, if there is a basement or a crawl space, the home inspector will look for signs of past or present water intrusion. However, if the home is on a slab, there is not much to see. As building lots become more scarce, and people are building on lots that they would not have built on fifty years ago, the home inspector sees more and more of this kind of sloped lot. 

Unless obvious signs of problems are apparent, about all the inspector can do is make a few suggestions and tell the potential buyer to keep an eye on the situation. If serious issues are suspected, the inspector will suggest a visit by a soil engineer or a structural engineer. When a house has stood the test of time for many years, and if problems are not noted, the slope is usually less of a concern than it might be on a structure that is newer and, so to speak, "unproven." It has no history so what might happen next is unknown.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith